The Jefferson Territory governs the region until 1861 with little interference from the federal government.

In 1859 a provisional territorial government was formed, called the Territory of Jefferson.

This ended any chance for federal endorsement of the Territory of Jefferson.

While the federal government refused to sanction the Jefferson Territory, it had effectively acknowledged the eastern border of the region.

On November 28, 1859, the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties:

By a vote of 2163 to 280, voters approve the creation of the free Territory of Jefferson on 1859-10-24.

Many residents of the mining region felt disconnected from the territorial government, and they formed their own Territory of Jefferson on 1859-10-24.

The parallel formed the northern border of the historic and extralegal Territory of Jefferson.

The parallel 37 north formed the southern boundary of the historic and extralegal Territory of Jefferson.

The Jefferson Territory never received federal sanction.